Protect Kids from Digital Eye Strain
According to the American Optometric Association, 83% of children between the ages of 10 and 17 estimate that they use an electronic device for three or more hours each day.
Children often report experiencing burning, itchy or tired eyes after using electronic devices for long periods of time. There are all symptoms of digital eye strain, a temporary vision condition caused by prolonged use of technology. Additional symptoms of eye strain may include headaches, fatigue, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision, or head and neck pain. While confined to home use of digital devices during the summer months, being back in the classroom significantly increases children’s total use.
When it comes to protecting vision and eye health from digital eye strain, taking frequent visual breaks is important. Nearly one third of children go a full hour while using technology before they take a visual break. Encourage kids to practice the 20-20-20 rule: when using technology or doing close-up work, take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.
-Sources: Wisconsin Optometric Association; American Optometric Association
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